UPS is known worldwide as the standard for shipment and logistics services, but in China SF Express has become a highly successful homegrown alternative. Look around in any large Chinese city and you will notice that SF Express stands apart from its less expensive competition. UPS though has held an even higher reputation that leads one to believe that the former may have emulated the best qualities of UPS. Let’s compare.

SF Express, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, was founded in 1993 and serves the greater China market (mainland, Macao, HK and Taiwan) as well as Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the U.S. It’s known for its high quality of customer service and quick and dependable delivery. You can easily recognize its presence by its distinctive black and red logo bearing the SF letters. Even its workforce of couriers look to be more professional and not as hurried or rushed as other companies’ workforce. In many neighborhoods, you can also find dedicated drop-off stores where you can send goods.

UPS, United Parcel Services, founded in 1907 in Seattle, Washington and based in Sandy Springs, Georgia, is one of the largest shipment and logistics companies in the world, having a global reach of more than 220 countries and territories around the world. UPS is known for its distinctive brown delivery trucks and uniforms, resonating with customers its “What can brown do for you?” slogan. Its services are top-notch and they have UPS stores around the world for drop offs.

Strictly speaking from an economic viewpoint, it’s best to go with UPS when sending items to a country not served by SF Express, or with another company like FedEx or DHL. Both SF Express and UPS are extremely dependable and you will be satisfied with either choice. In the greater China area, consider going with SF Express, as the prices are extremely competitive and services are comparable to UPS. However, when shipping items abroad, consider choosing UPS, as you will have the peace of mind of its highly-detailed tracking updates.

Rates Estimates:

SF Express

Beijing – Hong Kong 1 kilo Package 2-day delivery Standard Express 30 RMB

3-day delivery SF Economy 24 RMB

Beijing – U.S. 1 kilo Package Varies Standard Express 265 RMB

UPS

Beijing – Hong Kong 1 kilo Package 2-day delivery Express, Express Saver 289, 272 RMB

4-day delivery Worldwide Expedited 228 RMB

Beijing – U.S. 1 kilo Package 2-day delivery UPS Worldwide Express Plus 835 RMB

1 kilo Package 2-day delivery UPS Worldwide Express 480 RMB

1 kilo Package 2-day delivery UPS Express Saver 453 RMB

1 kilo Package 1-week delivery UPS Worldwide Expedited 379 RMB